Robert Matthews

Science writer

After studying physics at Oxford, Robert became a science writer. He’s visiting professor in science at Aston University.

Recent articles by Robert Matthews

My mum always beats me at Monopoly and insists on doing an embarrassing ‘victory twerk’. How can I win? © Dan Bright

Everyday science

My mum always beats me at Monopoly and insists on doing an embarrassing ‘victory twerk’. How can I win?

Why does blowing hard on our hands cool them, but just breathing on them warm them? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Why does blowing hard on our hands cool them, but just breathing on them warm them?

Is there any objective evidence of more bad luck on Friday the 13th? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Is there any objective evidence of more bad luck on Friday the 13th?

How is sound created when two objects collide? © Getty Images

Everyday science

How is sound created when two objects collide?

Why does a little bit of moisture make your hands sticky, but a large amount makes them slippery? © Dan Bright

Everyday science

Why does a little bit of moisture make your hands sticky, but a large amount makes them slippery?

Where does the colour go when a material fades in the Sun? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Where does the colour go when a material fades in the Sun?

Does sound travel further on foggy days? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Does sound travel further on foggy days?

Do dimmer switches actually use less energy? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Do dimmer switches actually use less energy?

If the Sun is constantly losing mass via nuclear fusion, how come it’s not getting any smaller? © Getty Images

If the Sun is constantly losing mass via nuclear fusion, how come it’s not getting any smaller?

How do smelling salts work? © Alamy

How do smelling salts work?

Is sparkling water as hydrating as still water? © Getty Images

Is sparkling water as hydrating as still water?

How can an electron be both a particle and a wave?

Everyday science

How can an electron be both a particle and a wave?

Why do clothes get darker when wet? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Why do clothes get darker when wet?

What propels the ‘sailing stones’ across the Californian desert? © Getty Images

What propels the ‘sailing stones’ across the Californian desert?

How far from Earth could aliens detect our radio signals? © Getty Images

How far from Earth could aliens detect our radio signals?